Jeep crashes on AMI Bridge

Holmes Beach police said the driver of the Jeep that crashed over the sidewalk divider and struck the railing on the Anna Maria Island Bridge on State Road 64/Manatee Avenue at about 1:45-2 p.m. on Monday, March 22, told them the car skidded on the center grating on the bridge — and the Jeep was out of control.

A light rain was falling most of the day.

No other vehicle was involved in the crash.

Traffic was reduced to one lane with HBPD controlling flow on the bridge. Meanwhile, congestion on the roads in Holmes Beach quickly became a problem for motorists trying to cross the bridge or pass north and south.

The Florida Department of Transportation was called to verify that the bridge remained structurally sound, and Chief Bill Tokajer said they allowed the bridge to fully reopen at 3 p.m.

Another crew from DOT maintenance in Sarasota was expected at the bridge to shore up the railing in the afternoon.

The name of the Jeep driver was not released before press time for The Islander, and it was not known if any traffic citation would be issued.